So I have a LOT of questions, I could post them in the relevant threads but that would require me to post in about 15 different threads so I’ll just combine them all into on massive TL;DR post here:
My dad has a tandem. It’s not a very good tandem (because good tandems start at ~$4K) but apparently it is acceptable. It has an aluminium frame with massive super oversize tubes so at least ti doesn’t whimy or whatever like Blakey’s Gitane mixte tandem
It’s done a fair few k’s now (and munched it’s way through a decent number of chains) and it’s just about time for another set of fresh chains and a more major overhaul. The cassette is toast and V brakes means the rims are pretty much shot and it’s been breaking the odd spoke as well so it’s probably time for new wheels (there are a couple of other drivers for new wheels discussed below).
Drive train:
Given it’s pretty much time for a new drivetrain and rims anyway, Dad is interested in a IGH (he has a beard and, although he is not actually a qualified engineer I think he might have wanted to be one, does own many books on engineering). Shift while stationary is very important for tandem where trying to lift the rear wheel to drop it into the granny is not so easy.
So the question is: is the Alfine 8 up to the task? the 11 is out as it costs more, is apparently less durable, seems to have bigger gear jumps down low and no direct 1:1). Calculations indicate that the Alfine 8 gives the same gear range as the more commonly used gears in the current 3 x 9 setup.
Due to beardyness the plan is to go for a half step double ring setup on the front as well. 38-42 rings give a 10.5% front jump neatly bisecting the ~20~25 % jumps in the Alfine. In the interests of keeping costs down (but mostly cos it’s cool) I think I’ll forgo the alfine “derraileuresque” tensioner (needed due to the extra chain capacity to cover the difference between the two front rings) and just lock out my suntour OLÉ
Wheels:
Alfine 8 only comes in 32 or 36 hole (obvs use 36h for tandem) the wider flange spacing and larger flanges of the Alfine Vs even a tandem hub should help wheel strength but will it be enough? (current wheels are 40H) estimated all up weight of bike + team is approaching 200kegs, next question is spokes, straight gauge, DB or triple like alpine IIIs. I know some of the cargo bike courier bros use the alfine which gives me some confidence.
which brings us to rims. Need 26”, it has ZAC19’s so probably anything is better, however, more bettererer is beterererer. looking on CRC they had Mavic XM 317 and 319 for pretty cheap, eyeleted and brake track (on the 317 anyway). will these be OK or should I go for the zombie apocalypse proof option and get some rigida sputniks (also surprisingly cheap apparently and double eyeletted)?
Dyno:
Also Need a (disc compatible) dyno front that can hack the weight as well. Shimano alfine and SP offerings are similar price. assuming I’d need 36 H minimum. any reccomendations? (probably best to just PM blakey)
Fork:
While we’re building new wheels from the ground up I have suggested swapping the fork out for a disc compatible one to avoid wear to the front rim (both rims look pretty much ready to blow after only 5000ish ks )
I was looking at the surly 1x1 which has disk tabs and canti studs (could be useful for mounting a rack) only problem is we need as much steerer as humanly possible. the 1x1 is listed as 260mm which will put the stem about where the current kludgetaculat collection of spacers and stem extenders has it but more would be better to replace both the extender and the (gasp) adjustable stem (pretty sure adjustable stems are an even stupider idea on a tandem than on normal bikes where they only have the potential to kill one person ;p) any other options for minimally sus corrected, disc tabbed beefy 26” fork with HEAPS of steerer to consider?
Brakes:
if going disc how big a rotor is required for a tandem? Probs get icetech rotor. if it can still stop an insane German guy with a 100keg block of concrete strapped to his bike at the bottom of a 3000 meter descent after dragging the brakes the whole way down it should do the job ;p
Tires:
I think it currently has super puncture resistant schwalbe something or others that have rubber ~1" thick, anyone using resist nomads in a 26" sizeway for rail trail graven grinding/touring (other than Jed)? i like my 700x45s for this purpose. Any reason not to use nomads on a tandem?